Naenda safaris
- Located In:
- Size:
- 5-10 employees (Founded in 2011)
- Member Of:
- Tanzania Tourist Board
- Tour Types:
- Small & medium group tours (Mid-range & luxury)
- Destinations:
- Price Range:
- $330 to $455 per person per day (USD, excl. int'l flights)
Reviews
Email Bhairavi | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
NAENDA: What you want in a safari company - Welcoming, Accommodating, Friendly, Fun, and Prepared.
I first contacted Naenda in October 2014 while I was planning a December vacation. My father and 2 friends were visiting me in TZ so I wanted to make sure I found a good, friendly company that would accommodate what the 4 of us wanted. Then, I came upon Naenda.
The first thing I noticed about Naenda was that Abidan and Jesse were quick to respond to my questions and concerns. The second thing I noticed was that Naenda was willing and able to accommodate our travel needs to a T. The 4 of us opted for a 2-day, 1 night safari to Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Also, one of my friends and I also opted to use Naenda for our Kilimanjaro Trek, which followed our safari. I really wanted to camp at the edge of the crater, but we did not have time to go on a several day safari. With the other safari companies I researched the overnight stay at the crater required a several day safari; but, when I told Naenda what I wanted they said it was no problem. I was very pleased from the beginning, to say the least!
They were also extremely accommodating in terms of making payment. I live in a village in the middle of Tanzania so I do not have easy access to banks or other forms of sending money. I do not believe they accept payment online via credit card, so that was out of the question. Initially, Naenda asked for a deposit on the safari and the trek, but when I explained that it may be difficult for me to send the money they took me at my word (i.e. that we would pay upon arrival in Arusha and that our plans would not change) and agreed to let us pay the full amount when we met with them in Arusha.
Upon our arrival in Arusha there was a slight issue with our hotel for the night before we started our safari the next morning (NOTE: Naenda had nothing to do with our hotel stay for 1-night). Abidan met us at our first hotel (we had a reservation, but when we arrived the hotel said they did not reserve the room as requested.) and waited until the situation with our hotel was figured out and we were in another hotel before he briefed us on the plan/schedule for the following day. He was very patient with us and even after our briefing was complete he showed us to a nice cafe/restaurant where we had dinner.
The next day we started our safari with Jesse. We first went to the supermarket in case we wanted to buy any snacks or other items for the trip, and then we were off. We went to Lake Manyara first and saw many animals. (By the end of the 2-days we had seen 4 of the Big 5 game animals.) Jesse was knowledgeable about the different animals and he was very friendly. My dad loves to take pictures of just about anything, so he was on a picture spree during the safari. Jesse would stop the vehicle frequently allowing us to take pictures and look at the animals. Jesse answered all of our questions (however silly or ridiculous) and made the entire experience fun. We ate a boxed lunch at Lake Manyara (we are all vegetarian and it was great knowing that there was no issue with getting us good quality vegetarian food) and then headed to the crater.
Our campsite at Ngorongoro was nice. Waking up the next morning and seeing the sunrise at the edge was just amazing, and the stars at night were absolutely stunning! We also had a great cook with us that made us some delicious vegetarian food, including soups and chipsi mayai. (SIDE NOTE: they did have some power outlets at the campsite in case you wanted/needed to charge any electronics.)
The morning game drive in the crater was great. Again, Jesse was very patient with our questions and comments. He found the best spots to see the lions, rhino, elephants, etc. We all really enjoyed ourselves, and have tons of pictures to prove it!
Two days later my friend and I were starting our trek to the top of Africa - Kilimanjaro. My father and one friend were heading to the airport that morning, but wanted to come to the base of the mountain to see us off and take some more pictures. Naenda (although they could've said no), was nice and accommodating enough to take all 4 of us to the base of the camp, allowed us to snap a few pictures, and then took my father and friend to the airport just in time for them to catch their flight. This was not something that Naenda had to do by any means, but it goes to show how accommodating and friendly they are in running their business. We did not feel like we were burdening them in any way or feel like they did not want us to share this moment at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro together.
My friend and I opted to take the 6-day, Mchame Route. There was some confusion we realized as we were climbing on the number of days it would take for the total trek (we thought it was 7-days hiking, but it was 6-days of hiking and 1-day of briefing before the hike.) Before we started the trek, Abidan and our guide (Dennis) came to our hotel the day before to make sure we had everything we needed and answered all of our questions. We were able to rent any items we did not have for a reasonable cost. We were ready for the hike!
Overall the hike was great! We had two guides, Dennis and his assistant Charles. Both were very nice, friendly and definately in-shape. The rest of our group - 6 porters and 2 cooks - was also very nice and friendly. The cooks always prepared nice hot, delicious food for us every morning, afternoon and evening. There was lots of tea/coffee and soup! Apart from the first day when there was some issue down at the base, our tent and luggage were usually set up by the time we arrived at the base/campsite. The days were long, but not too grueling. Our guides made sure we walked extremely slowly and helped us on the more difficult slipperly/steep parts of the climb. I really did not feel any fatigue or soreness until the final 1.5 days when we reached the summit and climbed back down to the exit gate. The entire time we walked/hiked at a slow and steady pace, which was perfect!
The one thing that stopped me from putting an overall rating of 5-stars was an experience at the very tail end of our Kilimanjaro trek. I do not know how much control Naenda has over who guides their customers on a Kilimanjaro trek, so maybe my experience does not say much about Naenda. Either way, the night before we completed our descent, our guide Dennis gave us "recommended" amounts to tip each of the porters and cooks per day. He left the tip for the guide up to us to decide on our own. We took these recommended per day amounts into consideration and gave a lump sum tip we felt comfortable with the next day after we completed our descent. Unfortuantely, it was clear that Dennis was not happy with our tip not only because of the amount but also because we did not divide the tip between the guides, porters and cooks (10 people total). I explained to Dennis that we gave a lump sum because we felt that everyones work during the past 6-7 days was equally important and necessary for our successful summit. He asked us several times to split the amount amongst all 10 people, but we did not feel comfortable nor did we feel one person deserved more for a tip than another person. In the end we told Dennis he could just divide the amount by 10 so that each person gets the same amount. He was also not happy with that. His dissatisfaction was clear in his manner of speaking with us after we handed him the tip - he was just not as friendly and talkative as he had been. This made our departure somewhat awkward and unfulfilling. We wanted to really thank everyone for their work and company the past 6-7 days, but we left with a somewhat sour taste in our mouth.
Climbing Kilimanjaro was a wonderful experience. Deciding to use Naenda was a good decision, as well. After the trek, Abidan and Jesse picked us up at the bottom of the mountain and drove us all the way to Arusha to our hotel. Also, since there was some confusion in the total number of days for the trek, our hotel reservation (initially in Moshi for 1-night) had to be changed for 2-nights in Arusha. Since we did not have much network connection or ability to change our accommodations while hiking, Naenda arranged everything for us and with the hotel so that we had a place to stay for 2-nights after the trek. Another testament to Naenda being prepared to handle anything and accommodating. Pretty much after finishing the hike their job was done, but they went above and beyond to make sure our safari experience was smooth and fun!
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing experience!
My husband, George, and I have wanted to do a safari for some time. I met Jessy, the owner of Naenda Safaris, on a prior trip to Tanzania so looked forward to the safari. From the beginning they personalized the safari based on the schedule we had available. We were able to do a 3 day / 2 night safari seeing Tarangire National Park, an overview of the Ngorogoro crater and then 2 days at the Serengeti. We saw 4 of the big 5 (didn't see the rhinos) plus many others. We got very close to elephants, giraffe and zebra in Tarangire and saw up close 2 male Lions and their pride of 8 females and young ones in the Serengeti. Wildebeast, Zebra, Ostrich, Gazelle's, giraffe, hippo's, cheetah, leopard, hyenas, water buffalo, mongoose, elan, topi, stork, jackal, dik dik, ..... It is amazing to see all this wildlife up close and in their natural environment and the positive, friendly attitude and knowledge of our guide Jessy throughout the trip made for a wonderful trip overall. The lodging both nights was comfortable!
50-65 years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Amazing experiences in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.
Have rated our experience as excellent as we were blown away by the experience of the Serengeti and Ngonrongoro Crater. Prior to arriving in Tanzania we experienced excellent communication with Abidan who was there to pick us up at Kilimanjaro airport and at the end of our safari Jesse, our driver, took us to the border for our connecting drive to Kenya.
We did have a change of itinerary which we weren't expecting but was a logical step as we wanted particularly to see the migration in the Ndutu area and because we had a long drive to the border for our connecting drive to Kenya at the end of our stay. All in all we were satisfied with this. We loved the camp we stayed in in the Serengeti - Heritage camp - which is small and run by a really cheerful crew and gives a very authentic experience. Serengeti was something I shall never forget - seeing the enormity of the mass of migrating wildebeest and zebra etc. The pride of lions - about a dozen with cubs on our first early morning game drive, lying on the rocky outcrop was just awsome as was watching the sun come up - great pics. We watched elephant antics - and waited while the leopard in the tree (with his kill) had to stay up there due to the six or seven lions lying around the bottom. For me the Serengeti stay was the highlight but the Ngorongo crater was also amazing - we watched a zebra give birth and baby take its first steps. We did go to Lake Manyara park as our first day of safari - it is very beautiful but what came after sort of overshadowed it. Our last night at the Simba Ngorongoro Forest Lodge was a lovely ending - with all the luxuries etc and a beautiful dinner.
Jesse is a very good driver and we felt very safe with him. He is clearly passionate about his country - I don't blame him as it is stunning. Although he didn't have radio communication in the vehicle we used he seemed to know where to find everything as we certainly saw some awsome things!
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Email Scott and Angie | 35-50 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Phenomenal Experience!
We had a phenomenal experience in Africa! A big part of that was thanks to Jesse Mfoi and his company, Naenda Safaris. They worked with our limited schedule and personalized an adventure-filled 3 day/2 night safari for us – lodging and meals included. We were able to experience Tarangire National Park, a quick overview of the Ngorogoro Crater and two full days on the Serengeti. We could not have asked for a better guide or itinerary! Jesse is very knowledgeable and made sure we saw as many animals as possible in that short time! He took great care of us! He loves what he does and it shows!
Planning adventures in a different country can be overwhelming. If you are researching safari companies, look no further! You just found it!
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Email Sarah | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Safari with Naenda!
We had a wonderful 2.5 day safari with Naenda. Despite the short time frame, Jesse helped us plan a great safari to Tarangire and to Ngorongoro Crater. Everything went so smoothly with the travel - the land cruiser was comfortable, we had great vegetarian food and we stayed at a lovely guest house in Karatu. The safari was incredible - we saw so many animals and Jesse seemed to know everything about them, the parks and the surroundings. He organized everything so that we were able to just enjoy the safari and marvel at everything we saw. I highly recommend Naenda - our safari really could not have been better!
20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
A great trip - a fantastic local guide and a social conscience
I had a great safari trip with Jesse to Lake Manyara and Ngorogoro Crater. Arrangements were very smooth, accommodation was great and the safari itself was fantastic. We got a very lucky day in Ngorogoro with lions at every turn including a full pride with cubs. This was my first safari, but most definitely not my last.
I was also very pleased with the ethos of Jesse and the company - Jesse pays his drivers (rather than leaving them to survive on tips alone as many other operators do), and Naenda is run as a social enterprise with profits going to a local childrens disability charity. I would massively recommend Naenda to anyone heading to Northern Tanzania!
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Email Terry Clementson M.D. | 65+ years of age | Experience level: 2-5 safaris
Jesse Mfoi is an awesome guide and we would go anywhere with him.
We have been with Jesse Mfoi in 2007 to Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. In 2009 we went to Tarangire Nat'l Park. In 2011 he organized a trip for 8 of us for 5 days to Iringa from Moshi Tazania and back. He is an excellent guide and individual!!! A couple glitches occurred in 2011 but he took care of the problem in short order without any discomfort to any of us. We would only use Naenda Safari Company on any future return to Africa.
Terry and Karen Clementson
Lincoln, Nebraska USA
Amazing Experience
Jesse was an exceptional safari guide. I kept telling him spending time with him was like being with a walking, talking Google. Every question I asked about animals, the land, the country he could answer in depth. He had a great sense of humor and by the time the safari was over I knew I had a friend for life. Jesse's vehicles are safe, comfortable and he made sure that I had everything I needed at all times. It was an amazing experience and I highly recommend Naenda to anyone that visits Tanzania.
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50-65 years of age | Experience level: first safari
An unforgettable Safari of a lifetime!
it is hard to even describe how breathtaking the safari was. The expertise of our guide Jesse being able to spot the animals and describe everything in the area enhanced the experience even more! I would highly recommend Jesse as a personal tour guide and the expertise and professionalism of the company is over and above anything I would have ever expected!
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Email Victoria G. | 20-35 years of age | Experience level: first safari
Amazing Trip - Fantastic Team at Naenda!
My friend Adrienne and I went on a 3-night, 4-day safari with Naenda last month, and I couldn't recommend this team more highly. Abidan, the manager, was so helpful in arranging everything we wanted (including a trip up to Lake Natron to see the flamingos), and coordinating with me back here in the states (while my travel companion was living in Rwanda). We organized a private tour, and couldn't have been happier with our circuit, which included Lake Manyara, Ngorogoro Crater, Serengeti, and ended with Lake Natron.
Our driver, Juma, and our cook, Machinaa, were both wonderful. Juma was extremely knowledgable about the animals (maybe even more impressive because my friend is a conservation biologist and very knowledgable herself), and Machinaa was so friendly, light-hearted, and a great addition to our little team.
Abidan and the team at Naenda goes above and beyond in every aspect to make sure you have a wonderful trip. They even had cots for us when we camped at both Serengeti and Lake Natron sites - what a treat!
I have recommended Naenda already to several friends planning trips to Africa, and encourage you to use them yourself.
Thanks again Abidan, Juma, and the entire team at Naenda, for making my first safari the best trip ever!